Cooler, Drier Air Moves Into Alabama Gulf Coast

A stalled cold front brings isolated showers to coastal and eastern areas before a sharp cool-down arrives this weekend.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Current Conditions

Wide coastal landscape of pale marsh grass bending in a north breeze over a calm grey-green bay under scattered clouds. — A stalled cold front brings isolated showers to Alabama's Gulf Coast Friday, followed by much cooler, drier air and the coldest night of the season Saturday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

A weak cold front stalled over the Gulf Coast keeps isolated showers in the forecast for coastal and eastern communities, while inland areas remain dry. Much cooler, drier air arrives Friday night, with Saturday night temperatures falling into the 40s across most communities.

Why it matters

The shift brings the coldest night of the season so far for much of the region, with far northern and inland locations possibly dipping into the mid to upper 30s and patchy frost possible by early Sunday. Residents should expect a noticeable change from the low 80s recorded this afternoon.

Seas remain calm at one to two feet, and the Gulf and Caribbean are quiet with no tropical development expected over the next seven days. An area of low pressure several hundred miles south of Bermuda has a medium chance of acquiring subtropical characteristics, though its track is not addressed in the forecast.

The details

Isolated showers are forecast mainly for coastal and eastern communities as the stalled front holds over the area, while most of southwest Alabama stays dry. Drier air moving south from the north brings a brisk north breeze, with Friday afternoon highs in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees and Sunday afternoon highs in the mid to upper 60s.

Today (Nov. 5): Stalled front brings isolated coastal and eastern showers, with highs in the low 80s.
Tonight (Nov. 5): Skies clear, temperatures drop to the upper 50s, and patchy fog develops.
Friday night (Nov. 6): Brisk north breeze ushers in much cooler, drier air.
Saturday (Nov. 7): Mostly sunny and noticeably cooler, with highs in the low to mid 70s.
Saturday night (Nov. 7): Coldest night of the season so far, with temperatures in the 40s.

Seasonal Patterns

This cold front fits the usual early-November pattern, when continental air masses periodically push into the Gulf Coast after the summer heat breaks. Saturday night's forecast low in the 40s would mark the coldest night of the season so far for much of the region.

Residents should plan for a sharp temperature drop by Saturday night, bringing jackets for outdoor events and covering sensitive plants before early Sunday. Patchy frost is possible in far northern and inland areas, so drivers should watch for slick spots on untreated surfaces.

The takeaway

The forecast shows a clear, fast transition from warm, humid conditions to cold, dry air over just two days. Planning ahead for the weekend's chill will help households and gardeners prepare before the coldest night arrives.